In this HERpower conversation, we sat down with Gizem Gökçe, Atlassian Apps Manager at OBSS, one of Turkey’s leading tech companies. She shares honest insights on women in tech, motherhood, and what makes Turkish culture unique.
Bio
Gizem Gökçe, is the Atlassian Apps Manager at OBSS, where she oversees the full product lifecycle of tools like Timepiece, TicketBook, and Baselines for Confluence. With a background in computer engineering and over a decade of experience—spanning the defense industry and software—she brings a structured, detail-oriented approach to product management. At OBSS, she works closely with cross-functional teams to shape tools used by Jira and Confluence users around the world.
The Conversation
Welcome to HERpower, Gizem. Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
Gizem: Of course! I’m Gizem Gökçe, currently based in Ankara, Turkey. I work at OBSS as the Atlassian Apps Manager. I’m responsible for leading the strategy and growth of our Atlassian Marketplace apps. Outside of work, I’m also a content creator on Instagram, where I focus on motherhood and work-life balance. It’s a space where I can share the honest side of juggling both.
What led you into the tech world?
Gizem: I was always curious about computers. Even as a kid, I remember being fascinated with how they worked. I followed that with a degree in computer engineering. After university, I spent nearly ten years in the defense industry. It was a challenging environment, but one that taught me a lot: discipline, precision, and how to stay calm under pressure.
Eventually, I felt ready for a new chapter and moved into product management at OBSS, focusing on Atlassian apps. Looking back, that earlier experience gave me a solid foundation. The same skills — thinking strategically, solving problems carefully — still serve me every day. Just in a very different context.
You’ve spent your whole career in male-dominated environments. What has your experience been like as a woman in this field?
Gizem: In a way, it’s made me stronger. Whether in defense or now in software, I’ve often been one of the few women in the room. But I never saw that as a disadvantage. If anything, it gave me a chance to offer a different perspective.
I believe personality plays a big role. I’ve never had a problem speaking up or standing by my views. And I’ve been fortunate to work in places that welcomed different voices and genuinely valued diverse input.
What makes a workplace supportive for women, in your view?
Gizem: OBSS is a great example. One of the reasons I joined was because of their strong stance on gender equality. A significant portion of our leadership team is made up of women, not just as a token gesture, but as decision-makers. That kind of culture makes a big difference. When you’re in a place where your input is valued, it lifts your confidence. And that shows in your work.
You’re raising a child while leading product strategy — no small feat. What has that journey taught you?
Gizem: It’s taught me deep purpose, flexibility, and that balance isn’t a steady state. Some days feel like a sprint, others like a marathon. Priorities shift constantly.
There are times when my child needs me, and I have to pause work. Other times I work late into the night after bedtime. But I’m lucky—my company and managers truly understand what it means to be a working parent. That support changes everything.
A big part of what keeps me going is the example I grew up with. My mom was a working woman too. I watched her manage a job, a home, and a family—with love and determination. At the time, I didn’t realize how much effort it took. But now I do.
She showed me that you can be both—a devoted mother and a strong professional. That’s the example I try to follow, and hopefully pass on.
This is why, even on the overwhelming days, I keep going.
Do you feel women manage their workload or stress differently from men?
Gizem: I really do. Women tend to multitask constantly. There’s the visible workload, and then there’s the invisible mental checklist always running in the background. It’s not just what we do, it’s everything we remember. Sometimes I look at how men can focus on one thing and think, “Wow, that must be nice!” (laughs). But it’s just how we’re wired, I think.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice at the start of your career, what would it be?
Gizem: Don’t worry so much about titles. Focus on building skills. Stay curious, trust yourself, and be consistent. Trust that your work will speak for itself. And don’t let every failure shake your confidence—timing matters, and sometimes it’s just not your moment yet. Sometimes it’s just about timing. Keep showing up.
Tell us about Turkey. What reflects your culture best?
Gizem: That’s a fun one! Turkish people are a unique mix. We’re hardworking like Asians, disciplined like Europeans, and we love finding clever shortcuts like people around the Mediterranean. We value efficiency over just “working hard.” It makes us very solution-oriented and creative. We always find a way.
The food alone is a reason to come — honestly, it’s so good it’s hard to stay thin! You have to start with Istanbul for the mix of modern and historical. But don’t stop there. Explore Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and the eastern regions — each part of Turkey has its own rhythm and personality.
Come for the food, stay for the culture — and soon you’ll realize, one trip won’t be enough.
Final, and very important question — what’s your favorite Turkish dish?
Gizem: Oh, that’s a hard one! But I’d have to say lahmacun. I could eat it every day!
Thank you, Gizem! It’s been a pleasure getting to know you.
Connect with Gizem
If you wish to connect with Gizem and learn more, seek advice, or share similar experiences, feel free to reach out to her via LinkedIn.
